Football's Weekly Roundup #8

Premier League

In the Premier League we once again saw drama this weekend as Arsenal's unbeaten start to the league campaign came crashing down with a narrow but controversial defeat at Newcastle. St James' park has become formidable in recent times, and whilst this was no exception they were certainly helped by some arguably contentious decisions. Nevertheless, it was another in a string of impressive victories for the Magpies, lifting them to sixth in the table.

And further pain was heaped on this result for the Gunners by Manchester City's six goal demolition of Bournemouth at the Etihad. Amazingly, Erling Haaland failed to find the back of the net before being hooked at half-time following a twisted ankle. But it was Jeremy Doku who was there to pick up the pieces, scoring one and creating a further four goals as Guardiola's men ran rampant in Manchester. The less said about Bournemouth the better though, who slide further into the mud.

But not all the bottom sides were subject to heavy beatings this weekend. In fact, in the case of Sheffield United, some even picked up three points. It was a first win of the season for the Blades who, thanks to a late Oli Norwood penalty, took the spoils against Wolves. Now just behind Burnley on goal difference, could this win ease the pressure on Paul Heckingbottom, I'm sure he'll be hoping so. 

Elsewhere, Luton nearly recorded three-points of their own with what would've been a historic victory against Liverpool, only to be pegged back late by Luis Diaz. What could've been for the Hatters. Nevertheless, there's certainly signs of life for Rob Edwards.

And speaking of signs of life, following two straight three-nil defeats Erik ten Hag needed a response from his Manchester United side, and, whilst it was't pretty, he got one. It was Bruno Fernandes who stepped up in his side's time of need with a stoppage time winner, silencing his numerable critics in recent weeks.

With Spurs yet to play Chelsea, the Citizens have returned to the top for now. Can Ange Postecoglu's men reclaim their position? We certainly won't write them off.

Player of the Weekend - Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)

Of course, it had to be Jeremy Doku as our Premier League player of the weekend this time with his ridiculous one goal and four assists. Following his €65m move in the summer the Belgian has put in an impressive string of performances but this was chief among them. He tormented the Cherries' back line all game long. Well deserved Jeremy.

Championship

In the Championship this week we saw a big shock. Leicester City, unbeaten in nine league fixtures, top of the table, lost at home to Leeds United. In a narrow encounter the Foxes saw themselves just edged out by Daniel Farke's men, who may have boosted their own, admittedly quite slim, automatic promotion hopes. Leicester will be hoping the wheels don't fall off here and it will certainly be interesting to see how they react against Middlesbrough next time out.

Speaking of Michael Carrick's side, they were involved in a thriller at Home Park as Plymouth held their own in a six goal thriller. Boro found themselves ahead twice before being pegged back eventually to draw three-all. And that wasn't the only high-scoring affair as Preston edged past Coventry by three goals to two in spite of a Haji Wright brace for the away side.

And in the final action of the weekend Blackburn Rovers heaped yet more misery onto Norwich City with a consummate away performance enough to secure all three points. Once again Sammie Szmodics was the star of the show with two goals to take his tally to an impressive nine thus far, he really is stepping up this year. For Norwich though, it's four defeats on the spin now and David Wagner's side seem to be caught in a tailspin. 17th in the table now, this could get ugly really quick. Is time up for the German?

Player of the Weekend - Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers)

For us, this weekend was the turn of the joint-top scorer in the championship as Sammie Szmodics put two past Norwich City at Carrow Road. Once again, Szmodics was the star of the show for Rovers, who will be looking to him more and more to propel them forwards in this incredibly tight playoff race.

League One

It was only mid-week fixtures in League One this week due to the first round of the FA Cup. Nevertheless, the goals were flowing up and down the league with a remarkable 18 scored across the five games thus far, remarkably despite one of those being a goalless affair.

Chief scorers amongst this pack, Derby county really kicked the week into action with a resounding four-goal victory at Pride Park, seeing off a Northampton Town side who have certainly had better days. Max Bird was a particular bright spark for the home side, scoring two goals in this one.

Elsewhere, Charlton raced into a three-goal lead at Wigan and held on despite a late fight back from the home side. It's a result which ends an impressive run for the Latics, who will look to respond against promotion chasing Peterbrough next time out.

And it wasn't just Charlton scoring three this weekend with both Blackpool and Fleetwood sharing the six goals evenly in their encounter. It was a late Jack Marriott goal for the home side which levelled things and made it an even more memorable fixture. 

With Shrewsbury still to play Bolton, and Reading welcoming Bristol Rovers we may yet see changes to the table. But one thing remains certain, Portsmouth have daylight at the top.

Player of the Week - Max Bird (Derby County)

And in League one this week it was in fact Max Bird who takes our player of the week trophy thanks to his two goals against Northampton Town. In a truly impressive performance from Derby County it was Bird who stole the show, displaying the kind of quality we know he possesses by the bucket. With his side on the fringes of the playoffs now, Bird will be hoping to make a difference across the rest of this season.

League Two 

And it was a similar story in League Two this week too as just one fixture took place as Morecambe fell to an away defeat at Barrow. The game ended one nil thanks to a knockout blow from Dom Telford which Tyson Fury himself would've been proud of.

It was a poor showing from the away side who failed to even register a shot on goal, ending an impressive run for the Shrimps. For the home side it's now six unbeaten in the league as they look to enter the playoff battle.

Player of the Week - Dom Telford (Barrow)

Well, it was certainly slim pickings in League Two this week with just over 22 players to choose from. But we've given it to match-winner Dom Telford this week for his goal agains the Shrimps in a victory which could see Barrow push on to a playoff spot come May.